Prominent politicians from Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) are advocating for a significant shift in the country's foreign and security policy, urging dialogue with Russia and a halt to the deployment of new U.S. intermediate-range missiles.

The manifesto, which has garnered attention from various SPD members, argues that military confrontational strategies and increased defense spending do not enhance security but instead create instability and escalate tensions between NATO and Russia.

Notable signatories of the document include former parliamentary leader Rolf Mützenich, ex-party chair Norbert Walter-Borjans, and former finance minister Hans Eichel, indicating a rift between these figures and the current SPD leadership.

The manifesto's release comes at a crucial time, just ahead of the SPD's upcoming party congress at the end of June 2025, where leadership positions and a new party program will be discussed following recent electoral setbacks.

This internal conflict within the SPD is particularly significant as it coincides with a NATO summit where Germany is expected to commit to substantial increases in defense spending.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has condemned the manifesto, labeling it a denial of reality and criticizing its proponents for misrepresenting public sentiment regarding peace in Ukraine.

Adis Ahmetović, the SPD's foreign policy spokesperson, distanced himself from the manifesto, calling it 'questionable' and emphasizing the need for military strength alongside diplomacy in response to current geopolitical realities.

The manifesto has also received unsolicited support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), complicating the SPD's internal dynamics and raising concerns among party members.

These internal struggles could impact the SPD's performance in upcoming elections as it attempts to balance new policy positions with its foundational principles.

The manifesto highlights that, 80 years after World War II, peace in Europe is once again under threat, citing the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine and human rights violations in Gaza as contributing factors.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has stated that there are insufficient grounds for banning the AfD, advocating instead for political engagement in addressing the party's rise.

As the SPD navigates these challenges, it faces the broader context of ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, which continues to claim lives and complicate international relations.